4,000 bikers motorcyclists start in South Bend to take on Musclar Dystrophy

September 04, 2006|ERIN MILLER Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Black leather vests covered hearts of gold Sunday afternoon. More than 4,000 motorcyclists toured the region along a 46-mile parade route Sunday for the annual American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser. "It's just good to see this many people come out to an event and support it," first-time participant Teresa Sheets, of Bristol, said, taking a break from eating after the ride. She and her husband, Dan Sheets, decided to join the ride because it benefited the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The ride coincides with the national telethon fundraiser for the association. The cause brought Kathy Hamburger to the ride, too, she said, sitting at a table with friends after finishing the route. But it was the response to the ride the Edwardsburg woman said she really enjoyed. "What's amazing to me, the people that park along the roads in the small towns," Hamburger said. "This is a big deal." Proceeds from the event will likely top $100,000, ABATE director Al Putman said Sunday afternoon. Surveying the people coming and going from the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, where the ride began and where food and entertainment were available afterward, Putman described the day as "fantastic." "You just look out there and things are going great," Putman said. Participation in the event grows each year, he said. Talking about the ride, Putman can't say enough nice things about the kids the event benefits. "The MDA kids come out and intermingle" with the riders, Putman said. "A lot of them ride in the ride. We have a wonderful group of MDA kids." Staff writer Erin Miller: emiller@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6553